The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1887-06-27
At The Ranch on TIN Divide.

ticularly noticeable, as ranches 60,
but its stu alton was splendid. The
road from the valley OF the Platte to
that OF La Fontaine Qui Bouille
crosses the Divide, or ridge; and, just
over it and sheltered by it from the
northern winds, were the ranch-house,
sheds and corrals. At the west, one
saw the foot hills, and glimpses OF the
great peaks behind them; and, not far
from the house opened canon be-
tween whose steep and verdureclad
walls ran clear and rapid stream,
chatting in its restricted channel, and
seeming impatient to bestow the larg-
est OF its benefcent and priceless wa
tiers upon the arid plains stretching far
to the eastward. Looking to the
south, again, one saw therolling coun-
try, rising at intervals into mesas and
dotted with scanty groves OF trees.
The sun had just passed beyond the
range, above which rose q wealth OF
clouds OF airy texture and gorgeous
colors; and the edge OF the shadow in
which the ranch lay could be seen
creeping steadily over the buffalo grass
toward the eastern horizon. Converg-
ing towards the house came parties
from the four points of the compass;
and, awaiting them, and standing on
the doorstep, looking first in one d.
rection and then in another, was q
quaint and curious youthful specimen
OF that alien race which has had so
sorrow a rec option on our shores, the
Chinese.
His sharp, aimond-shaped eyes
caught IL glimpse OF the great flock OF
sheep the moment they surmounted
the slight elevation over which he
had often seen the sun rise;
and, with the two watchful
Mexican herders behind them, they
came straight toward the water
troughs. These same eyes saw Uncle
Jim Boyle, as he tramped slowly and
deliberately down the sloping side OF
the nearest mesa at the south, and
even caught the smoke OF his pipe
rising in the clear air All Fong knew
that Uncle Jim had promised to sleep
at the ranch while it's master was alb
sent, and havinga profound respectfor
the strength and prowess OF this
redoubtable frontiersman, he thought
the arrangement excellent. Then
they saw the pretty bit OF color which
Fanny CAROLS dress made against
the dark back ground OF the canon
wall, as she climbed over the rock at
it's mouth; and the tassels OF silver
thread on the cord around the crown
ofyoung Sam Ruxton's sombrero as he
assiduously helped her holding herlittle
hands perhaps somewhat longer than
was necessary. This made something
as near q smile show itself on All
Fong's face as was ever seen on those
emotionless features.
When. however, the Chinese boy
again walked to the rear OF the house
and CHANGED to look to the north
ward, he stopped and gazed intently
at two men who were coming over the
ridge. He stood perfectly still Tor
some time and then, making his way
quietly toward rude out building,
concealed himself therein.
Farther and farther crept the line OF
shadow to the eastward; nearer and
nearer the ranch came the different
parties. At last the herders sh ut
the bars of the corral behind the last
OF the bleating sheep, and,
unslinging their canteens, be-
gan pumping water for their charges.
Uncle Jim Boyle mounted the steps oil
the rude piazza with firm and heavy
tread, and the two young people-she
swinging her large straw hat by its
ribbons and he walking decorously at
her side-came round the corner OF
the shed.
Everybody on the Divide took an
interest in Fanny Carroll. When her
father, old Tom Carroll, upat George.
town, ma his great strike, and sold
out to the eager "tender-feet, there
was general sentiment OF salts fac
ton; for Tom had worked faithfully,
and had plenty OF hard luck and was
a good fellow through it all. When,
too, he came into possession OF a SOL
id bank account, hebehaved particular.
ly well; declined to be interviewed, "
bought no diamond pins, extended
liberal help to some old "pards"
whose luck had deserted them, and,
as the boys expressed it, ivan stuck
up and didn't go back on EN-"
Miss Fanny was sent to an eastern
seminary, whence she had returned as
accomplished and pretty, and refined
Ill l.ooooI m a hoort oottld 1aciro